Ask NOW: What exactly are Wauwatosa's parking rules?

Is there a rumor you've heard that you would like to track down? Is there something in the community that needs to get fixed? Mary Malahy explains some of the mysteries of life in the Tosa area.

Clarifying Tosa's parking regulations

Issue: I have received a few questions about parking rules in Wauwatosa. A reader is concerned about people parking on the street, particularly on the block of Garfield Avenue between 72nd Street and Lefeber Avenue.

According to the reader, there are usually three or four cars parked there. Because the street is narrow, it is difficult for traffic to pass through. She is also worried that this will make snow removal difficult. She wants to know if there is a rule prohibiting parking here, given that the owners of the cars have driveways to park in.

A reader is also wondering if residents are allowed to park on their front lawns. This reader has noticed people washing their cars on their lawns and is wondering if the city allows residents to leave their cars parked there.

Status: I talked to Alan Kesner, city attorney, and he said parking rules vary throughout the city. There are street signs that explain what the rules are for each area.

Kesner also said the Municipal Code thoroughly lists the parking rules in section 11.32.080, which can be found on the city of Wauwatosa website, wauwatosa.net, under the "Code of Ordinances" tab.

The area in question doesn't have any parking rules, other than no parking overnight or during a snow emergency.

Parking on front lawns is illegal, but Kesner said residents can wash their cars there as long as they don't leave them unattended. Residents cannot use unpaved areas on residential property for parking, according to Kesner.

WauwatosaNOW.com

Want us to track down a rumor? Fix a problem? Send an e-mail to marycmalahy@gmail.com or visit WauwatosaNOW.com/Ask to post a question or see some answers.